The Traditional Daiquiri

When asking someone what comes to mind when you say the word "daiquiri," you get a myriad of responses: frozen; strawberry; too sweet; what's that? In reality, the traditional daiquiri drink is something so simple and delicious that every cocktail-enjoying man and woman older than 21 should know how to make one. The recipe originated in Cuba and consists of three easy-to-find ingredients: silver rum, sugar and fresh lime juice. While supposedly created by an American mining engineer at a beach bar named Daiquiri near Santiago during the Spanish-American War, the drink became a favorite of many famous Americans, including John. F. Kennedy and Ernest Hemingway, who even has his own variation of the recipe named after him. So, when you make this classic cocktail, raise your glass and cheers the multitudes that have enjoyed it in years gone by.

The challenge with making a truly balanced libation when using such few ingredients really lies in the proper ratios. Play around to find the right mix of sweet and tart that fits your palate. The daiquiri is also an amazing cocktail to explore substitutions. Try it with gin or whiskey. Instead of simple syrup, use agave nectar, or go low calorie with sugar substitutes. Not a fan of lime? Try lemon or grapefruit. Enjoy a floral note on the taste buds? Add a drop or two of lavender or hibiscus water. Either way, the recipe below is a good starting point to begin with.

While the daquiri can be enjoyed on the rocks, I prefer a nice vigorous shake in a cocktail shaker and served straight up.

Traditional Daiquiri

2 oz. Silver Rum

1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

¾ oz. Simple Syrup*

Garnish: Lime wedge

Preparation: Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a coupe glass without ice.

*Simple Syrup can be easily made by heating equal parts of baking sugar and water together until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool before use.

About Charles

Charles Steadman has long been guiding Palm Beach's cocktail culture. An Untied States Bartenders Guild member, Steadman’s experiences behind the shaker have taken him across the globe, working on various gigs for Remy Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Marriott and Waldorf Astoria hotels, and a milieu of restaurants and special events. And, as the longtime barman for The Breakers’ Echo, Steadman helped develop some of the savviest sips to come from the Island for more than a decade.

Now, as Director of Luxe Libations, a full service bar company concentrating in cocktail creation, costing, presentation and training for events and businesses, and Managing Partner of Jack's Grumpy Grouper, Steadman is bringing his personal cocktail style—a cross between classic and contemporary—to even more, continuing to develop and enhance South Florida’s cocktail scene.

For a firsthand experience, “escape the day” with Steadman over at Lantana Jacks and sample a few of the sips that have made him one of the most sought after and praised mixologists in town.